Vital Signs

Friday, February 17, 2006

Not long ago I had my grandmother move in with my family so I can care for her here at the home. She has a number of medical conditions and I’m doing everything I can to give here the best care possible. However, I am constantly monitoring her vital signs. I have blood pressure monitor and other diagnostic equipment, but isn’t there a machine that can measure all of these? Or is such equipment only in hospitals? Maybe electronic vital signs monitors aren’t available to the public, I don’t know. Any information would be helpful.
On the contrary, there have recently been new advancements in medical technology in the arena of vital signs monitors. No longer do you have to bring out your sphymomanometers, stethoscopes, thermometers, and pulse oximeters just to measure vital signs. There are new computerized vital signs monitors available that incorporate all of these critical measurements into one piece of equipment. Though they are used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments, they are highly portable and can therefore be used at home. Take a look at a few of the items currently available to the public:
Atlas Vital Signs Monitor
This vital signs monitor will measure NIBP (blood pressure), ECG (electrocardiograph), Nonin SpO2 (oxygen saturation), and temperature. It features an integral printer, respiration battery, and RS232 computer interface.
Spot Vital Signs Monitor
This lightweight monitor features automated measurements of blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, and SpO2, all within 30 seconds. It includes Sure Temp thermometry for oral temperature readings in just 4 seconds, and Nellcor pulse oximetry.
Welch Allyn Vital Signs Monitor 300 Series
This easy to use, portable vital signs monitor comes complete with NIBP, Nellcor SpO2, SureTemp thermometry and printer. The simple, push-button menu operation and bright display will allow you to quickly obtain the information you need, so you can spend less time with your equipment and more time with your grandmother.
Hope that helps you.

Hydrotherapy for Chronic Back Pain

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

My father is 74 and has a herniated disc in his back. This is giving him chronic back and leg pain. I heard that whirl pools might ease his pain. Can you give me any more information? Thank you.
The use of hydrotherapy has been around for millennia and modern science has proven that hydrotherapy can relieve chronic back pain along with an expansive variety of aches, pains, and illnesses. Hydrotherapy equipment, such as whirlpools and hydrotherapy tubs, is used to relieve joint conditions and have been useful in physical therapy for cases of paralysis and stiffness of the extremities. I suggest using and/or purchasing a LoBoy whirlpool. They are perfect for geriatric patients and for people who have difficulty climbing into conventional tubs.
Hope that helps.